Anthropometric measurements and their relationship with technical skills and physical performance in junior basketball players

Abstract

Anthropometric features can influence physical performance in pre-adolescent basketballers. On rare occasions, scientific literature has assessed anthropometric changes in performance for this age group. The study aimed to identify the relation between body measurements and skilled-body performance in junior basketballers. The study sample consisted of 60 players from basketball academies in the United Arab Emirates for the sports season 2020-2021. The average age was 14-16 years, with height ranging from 160 to 170 cm. Anthropometric measurements included body mass, length (total/upper/lower body, arm/leg), circumferences (chest/ humeral/ calf circumferences), and shoulder width. Skilled-body performance tests included front shot/ side shot/ free throw/ wall scrolling/ ballrunning test, and vertical jump. Equipment used included an electronic balance for weight (in kilograms) and a measuring tape (in centimetres). After collecting the data, using the SPSS statistical program, and the Person correlation for different length, width, and circumferences measurements, results indicated that there were statistically significant links between front, side, and free throw shot with body measurements. Also, the study found a relationship between wall scrolling and ball running speed tests, and measurements of mass, upper body/ arm length, chest/ calf circumferences, and shoulder width. Anthropometric measurements were very important for skills and body tests. In conclusion, anthropometric traits were found to significantly contribute to the skills and performance of preadolescence players. Trainers are recommended to consider these traits when selecting junior basketball players. It is also recommended that similar studies be conducted with different age groups and genders to compare and generalize the results to basketball union.